Sydney show takes all-Australian focus

SYDNEY With a record number of more than 300 exhibitors, Sydney on Sale (SOS) will this year showcase venues from Sydney and regional New South Wales as well as suppliers Australia-wide. For the first time, this year's show will be open to all service sectors of the Australian events industry - making it the biggest in the show's history. Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau managing director Mr Jon Hutchison said the bureau was confident of building on the success of the 2001 show, where business was valued at US$11.5million. "In 2001, Sydney on Sale attracted a record 5,732 potential buyers of meeting and event products and services, an increase of 29% on 2000, and 85% said they would purchase products and services seen at the show, while 86% of buyers said they would revisit in 2002," Mr Hutchison said. "With many companies under tighter budget constraints for planning meetings and events, Sydney on Sale will provide innovative and affordable ideas for corporate meetings and product launches in Sydney and among regional destinations. "The show will be the one-stop shop for meeting and event planners in this year."